The Legend of Tasikardi Lake

During the golden age of the Sultanate of Banten, when the royal palace of Surosowan stood in grandeur and court life was governed by strict customs, the surrounding lands were still dominated by dense forests, swamps, and rural settlements. Nature in Banten was known for its fertility, yet it also posed serious challenges. During long dry seasons, access to clean water became a crucial problem, even for the royal palace itself. From this necessity was born an artificial lake that would later be wrapped in legend and remembered through generations: Tasikardi Lake.

Sultan Maulana Yusuf, the son of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, was known as a firm and visionary ruler who deeply cared about the welfare of his people and the sustainability of the kingdom. He believed that the strength of a kingdom did not lie solely in its army or fortresses, but also in the wise management of natural resources. Water, as the source of all life, became one of his greatest concerns.

At one time, the Surosowan Palace faced a serious crisis. The supply of water for the palace and nearby communities began to decline. Small rivers that had long been relied upon were no longer sufficient, especially during prolonged droughts. Royal officials, religious scholars, and palace advisers gathered in council to seek a solution that would secure the needs of the palace without burdening the people.

After deep contemplation, Sultan Maulana Yusuf conceived the idea of building a large artificial lake capable of storing vast amounts of water. This lake would serve not only as a water reservoir but also as a symbol of prosperity and the advanced civilization of Banten. However, constructing such a lake was no simple task. It required great manpower, technical knowledge, and—most importantly—the blessing of nature and the will of God.

The Sultan ordered royal architects, water engineers, and spiritual leaders to work together on the project. After careful consideration, a strategic location was chosen not far from the palace, yet elevated enough to allow water to be channeled through a special underground system. This place later became known as Tasikardi, derived from the word tasik, meaning lake, and ardi, meaning noble or beautiful.

The construction of Tasikardi Lake began with a massive communal effort. People from various regions of Banten came together, bringing simple tools such as hoes, crowbars, and baskets of earth. They worked from dawn until dusk, accompanied by prayers and the rhythmic recitation of sacred verses. At night, elders and religious leaders performed spiritual observances, asking for protection and smooth progress throughout the construction.

According to folklore, many extraordinary events occurred during the building of the lake. The soil felt unusually light when dug, and water that emerged from the earth flowed calmly and orderly, as if following an unseen design. Many believed that unseen guardians of nature assisted the workers, for the lake was built with sincere intentions and without harming the balance of the environment.

When the construction was finally completed, Tasikardi Lake emerged as a vast and tranquil body of water. Its clear surface reflected the sky and surrounding trees. From this lake, water was channeled to the Surosowan Palace through an advanced underground system, remarkable for its time. This system ensured that the palace’s water needs were met without depriving the surrounding communities.

Beyond its practical function, Tasikardi Lake became a place of reflection and serenity for the royal family. Sultan Maulana Yusuf often visited the lake to calm his mind, meditate, and express gratitude for God’s blessings. Its beauty and stillness gave the lake a sacred aura, elevating it beyond a mere engineering achievement.

Over time, the people came to believe that Tasikardi Lake possessed mystical qualities. Its waters were said to bring blessings, and those who came with pure intentions would find peace of mind. However, legend also warned that the lake would respond harshly to greed or environmental destruction.

Elders told that before the lake was built, the area was inhabited by guardians of nature—beings not evil, but entrusted with maintaining harmony between land, water, and forest. Therefore, before construction began, Sultan Maulana Yusuf ordered rituals to seek permission from these guardians. These ceremonies were held at night, illuminated by torches and accompanied by solemn prayers.

During one such ritual, witnesses claimed to see small shimmering lights hovering above the land where the lake would later form. The lights moved slowly, as if observing the humans below. Rather than fear, a deep sense of calm filled the air. The spiritual leaders interpreted this as a sign that the natural realm had granted its consent.

Throughout the construction, workers experienced other strange occurrences. Tools left behind at night were often found neatly arranged the next morning. Excavated earth that had collapsed would mysteriously harden and become easier to shape. The people believed that the guardians of Tasikardi were quietly assisting them.

Another legend speaks of a supernatural figure known as the Guardian of Tasikardi, often described as an elderly man dressed in white robes who occasionally appeared near the lake. This figure was believed to be the spiritual embodiment of the lake’s protector. He never harmed humans, but would silently warn those who intended to damage the lake or act disrespectfully.

It was said that people who came to Tasikardi Lake with ill intentions would feel sudden unease. Their steps became heavy, their thoughts clouded, and their harmful desires gradually faded. Meanwhile, those who approached the lake with sincerity often felt inner peace and clarity after spending time by its waters.

On certain nights—especially during the full moon—the surface of Tasikardi Lake was believed to glow with an unusual radiance. The water shimmered softly, and the surrounding atmosphere felt deeply sacred. Locals believed that at such times, the guardians of the lake were巡视 ensuring that balance and harmony remained intact.

A sacred oath, passed down through generations, also forms part of the legend. The oath declares that Tasikardi Lake will continue to bestow blessings as long as humans respect its sanctity and protect the environment. However, if greed and neglect prevail, the lake will show signs of imbalance through murky waters, receding levels, or natural disasters.

Because of these beliefs, Tasikardi Lake is not merely seen as a historical relic, but as a sacred space deserving respect. Even today, some visitors quietly offer prayers or scatter flowers by the lake as a sign of reverence toward nature and the ancestors.

Thus, the legend of Tasikardi Lake tells more than the story of an advanced water system of the Banten Sultanate. It conveys a timeless lesson: human success is inseparable from respect for God, nature, and the spiritual values inherited from the ancestors.

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The Origin of the Cibanten River

Long ago, when the region now known as Serang Regency was still covered by vast forests and scattered small settlements, people’s lives were deeply dependent on the generosity of nature. The forests provided timber and game, while fields and rice paddies became the main sources of food. Despite the fertility of the land, the people often faced a major problem: unstable access to water. During the rainy season, water overflowed and flooded the fields, while during long dry seasons, the land cracked and dried, causing crops to fail.

Amid these conditions lived an elderly figure known as Ki Banten. He was neither a palace noble nor a soldier, but he was highly respected for his wisdom, humility, and deep spiritual knowledge. Ki Banten often traveled from one village to another, listening to the people’s complaints, offering advice, and helping whenever he could. To the community, he was a bridge between humans, nature, and the Creator.

One year, a drought arrived that was longer and harsher than ever before. Small rivers that had long supplied water began to shrink. Wells dried up, livestock died of thirst, and farmers could only stare helplessly at their fields, now hardened and dusty. Every night, villagers gathered to pray, hoping for rain or a miracle that could save their lives.

Hearing of this suffering, Ki Banten felt deeply moved. He believed that nature was never cruel without reason; rather, humans often forgot to maintain balance. With sincere intentions, he decided to perform tapa brata, a spiritual ascetic practice believed to open the path to divine guidance. He chose a quiet hill deep in the interior, far from the noise of the villages. There, he fasted, meditated, and prayed for several days.

On the seventh night of his meditation, the sky above the hill changed. The wind blew stronger, leaves whispered in the darkness, and heavy clouds hung low. In the silence, Ki Banten felt a powerful vibration from the earth. He received a divine sign instructing him to plant his sacred staff into the ground at a certain valley and allow nature to reveal its will.

The next morning, Ki Banten descended from the hill and walked toward the valley mentioned in the vision. The valley was untouched, filled with towering trees and dense shrubs. Standing firmly at its center, he planted his wooden staff into the soil with unwavering faith. Moments later, the ground trembled gently, and a soft rumbling sound emerged from beneath the earth.

From the spot where the staff was planted, clear water suddenly sprang forth. At first it flowed slowly, drop by drop, but soon it became stronger and more abundant. The water followed the natural contours of the land, forming a small channel that continued to extend. The surrounding trees appeared fresher, and birds gathered as if welcoming the birth of a new source of life.

The flow of water did not stop in the valley. It continued through forests, over rocks, and down into the lowlands. Along its journey, it merged with other springs, growing wider and more powerful. Before long, the stream transformed into a river that flowed steadily, bringing freshness and hope to the lands it passed through.

Villagers from various settlements soon noticed the change in nature. They followed the flow of water and discovered a river that had never existed before. Filled with gratitude, the people believed that the river was the answer to their prayers. Rice fields were irrigated once again, livestock found water, and life slowly recovered from the long crisis.

The river was later named the Cibanten River. In the local language, the word “ci” means water or river, while “Banten” refers to the land and people blessed by its flow. The name symbolized that the river was the lifeline of Banten, especially for the people of Serang.

As time passed, the Cibanten River became more than just a source of water. It served as a transportation and trade route, with small boats traveling back and forth carrying agricultural products, timber, and goods. Villages grew along its banks, and the river became the center of social life—a place where children played, elders gathered, and traditions were passed down from generation to generation.

Even today, the story of the origin of the Cibanten River continues to be told orally among the people of Serang. The tale carries a powerful moral message: humans must live in harmony with nature, maintain balance, and never forget gratitude and prayer. As long as these values are upheld, the people believe that the Cibanten River will continue to flow, bringing life and blessings to the land of Banten.

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